Investigation Report
Synthetic Oil-Based Mud Discharged Overboard During Trip-Tank Transfer
04-01-2019 00:55 G32301 MC 199 Pollution
- BSEE
- Investigation Report
- Unknown
- Environmental protectionLoss of containment
- DrillingFluid transfer
- Storage tanksValve
- Operating and work procedures
- Upstream oil and gas
- Marine watersVessel
Summary
BSEE investigates a synthetic oil-based mud spill during drilling aboard Seadrill West Neptune. Transfer between trip tanks discharged 61 barrels into Gulf of Mexico waters through an open master dump valve. Findings identify incorrect transfer procedures and failure to verify valve alignment; pit cleaners may have left the valve locked open.
Classifications: Environmental protection; environmental safety; pollution prevention.
Classifications: Loss of containment; containment loss.
Classifications: Drilling; well drilling.
Classifications: Fluid transfer; fluid loading; fluid offloading.
Classifications: Storage tanks; atmospheric tanks.
Classifications: Valve; valves.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Upstream oil and gas; oil and gas extraction; upstream petroleum.
Classifications: Marine waters.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.